Medications for Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), which was previously known as Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, is a chronic liver disease that originates in the small bile ducts.

PBC is thought to be autoimmune disease which means the body’s immune system has become overactive towards the normal bile duct cells and starts to attack them. This causes inflammation, scarring and eventually blockage of the bile duct that results in bile build up and damage to the surrounding liver tissue. This is a slow, progressive disease that over many years progresses from inflammation of the bile ducts, to liver scarring and fibrosis, and in later stages cirrhosis of the liver. Early diagnosis and treatment of PBC can slow the advancement of the disease.

PBC is an autoimmune disease that is most likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. PBC is NOT contagious and it is NOT related to alcohol or drug use.

Drugs Used
to Treat Primary Biliary Cholangitis

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or
used in the treatment of this condition.

Learn more about Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Micromedex® Care Notes

Mayo Clinic Reference

Legend

This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.

Prescription Only / Over the Counter

Rx

Prescription Only

OTC

Over the Counter

Rx/OTC

Prescription or Over the Counter

Pregnancy

A

Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).

B

Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

C

Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.

D

There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.

X

Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.

N

FDA has not classified the drug.

Controlled Substances Act Schedule

N

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

1

Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

2

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

3

Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

4

Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.

5

Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.